Why was Abraham called the friend of God?

Abraham was not sinless, but he was one of the great men mentioned in the Bible. His faith is cited for our example (Jas. 2, Heb. 11). Abraham is called a “friend of God” three times (2 Chroni. 20: 7, Isa. 41: 8).

Abraham was a man of obedience. Abraham obeyed God when he left his country and kindred (Gen. 12, Heb. 11: 8-10). He exhibited great faith regarding the offering of Isaac (Gen. 22, Heb. 11: 8-10). We never find Abraham rationalizing and attempting to circumvent God’s commandments.

A man of promptitude and peace. God told Abraham, “…get out of thy country….” We immediately read, “…So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him…” (Gen. 12: 1, 4). Outstanding men of the Bible were always men of immediacy of action (Matt. 4: 18-22, Acts 9: 20, 10: 33). Abraham’s desire for peace is seen in his dealings with Lot (Gen. 13: 5-12). The gospel is the “gospel of peace” (Rom. 10: 15).

Abraham was a man characterized by unselfishness and control of his family. He was a man who generously gave (Gen. 14: 17-24, Heb. 7: 4, 20). Many of us live to consume and simply satisfy self (Luke 9: 23). Also, it was said of Abraham, “…for I know him that he will command his children and his household after him…” (Gen. 18: 18, 19).

Friendship with God is a worthy goal. Jesus said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15: 14). Too many are the enemies of God (Jas. 4: 4). Abraham was God’s friend because of the quality of the character he possessed. Are you a friend of God? The way to determine friendship with Jesus, as we have seen, is in our obeying the commandments of God (John 15: 14). Asked another way, are we obeying the things Jesus commands?